Avoid Deflect and Block
The Sanchi Ryu Approach
Defensive Concepts
Sanchi Ryu is an American martial arts system. That, in and of itself is not unique. You
could say that there are probably as many "American Karate" systems as there are
Japanese/Okinawan types without being accused of exaggeration. Developed by Richard
Fike, Sanchi Ryu is comprised of techniques from eight different systems including
Praying Mantis Gung Fu, two styles of karate, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, Hapkido, Western boxing
and wrestling. What makes Sanchi Ryu different is the emphasis on and analysis of
defense. This is the basis for the system and acts as a kind of force continuum to
determine the students subsequent actions.
Students of Sanchi Ryu are taught that the first and purest form of defense is
avoidance. This includes avoiding the situation altogether by walking, or in some cases
running, away. Cowardly you say? Nonsense, faced with an armed attacker or multiple
attackers running like the wind is a viable and intelligent option. Remember, there are no
known knife disarms, just potential disarms. Also remember that in today's society you
often have to win twice, once on the streets and once in court. The law recognizes
restraint and trying to avoid trouble. When I do teach I try to remind people that there will
be plenty of fights in life. You don't have to jump at the first one that comes along. One
other thing, if you ignore this option, there is an older law than those currently in use in
our country. That is Murphy's Law. I don't care how well trained or conditioned you are.
Murphy is a devious, treachorous son of a bitch. He will show up if you give him the
opportunity. If escape is not an option than physical techniques of avoidance are taught.
These include ducking, bobbing, weaving and body shifting (tai sabaki in Japanese) to
avoid getting hit.
The next level of defense is deflection. Deflections take the form of open hand parries
that redirect the opponents attacks. They are generally the easiest defense to learn to use,
require very little energy and when used in conjunction with avoidance are as close to
foolproof as it can get.
The final level is blocking. Sanchi Ryu teaches that a block is intended to stop the
attack cold, ideally by injuring the offending limb.
Sanchi Ryu states that, in theory, a student first tries to avoid the attack, if the attacker
continues he will deflect and finally block. Once that has occured the attacker has reached
a point of no return. His actions dictate that a counter-attack should and will be launched.
When this happens the practitioner goes on the offensive, his goal is to end the fight in
three to five seconds or three breaths.
Sanchi Ryu students are taught that this theory is just that, a theory. It's not carved in
stone. The purpose is not to teach someone an attacker should be given three tries to get it
right. It is taught to emphasize the defensive end of the art. Something lacking, in general,
in many schools nowadays. After all you don't win many tournament trophy's waiting for
someone to come at you. Some places even penalize you for stalling. That's fine in a
sporting venue. Reality can be a little more complicated. As stated before, out and out
aggression will get you in a world of hurt. Righteous, controlled counter-offensive tactics
are always defensible.
To learn more about Sanchi Ryu check out the website linked below. Fike is
available for seminars. He also has isntructional videos you can order. Tell 'em you heard
about 'em at Spike's Place.
